The F-35 is no ordinary fighter jet. It was designed to maintain air dominance for years to come. With its stealth characteristics, sensor fusion, and weapons loadouts, this aircraft is one of the most technologically advanced fighter jets in the world.
The F-35 is quite literally a rocket ship. With an engine capable of producing over 43,000 pounds of thrust, it can propel the aircraft to more than one and a half times the speed of sound. As a fifth-generation multirole fighter, it can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with extreme precision.
To meet the needs of different countries purchasing the jet, the F-35 comes in three different variants. The F-35A is used for air-to-air combat, the F-35C is designed for carrier operations, and the F-35B is optimized for short takeoff and vertical landing, allowing it to hover.
The performance record of the F-35 is equally impressive. During Red Flag, the U.S. Air Force’s premier air combat training exercise, the F-35 demonstrated a greater than twenty-to-one kill ratio against advanced threats. The mere presence of the F-35 changes how adversaries plan and behave.
Lockheed Martin Fort Worth Production Facility – Plant 4
Lockheed Martin’s mile-long Fort Worth facility, known as Plant 4, has been operational since 1942. Originally manufacturing the B-24 Liberator during World War II, the plant has produced thousands of aircraft over the decades, including the F-16.
Today, Plant 4 houses over 16,000 employees and produces more than 100 new F-35 fighter jets every year.
Beginning of the F-35 Assembly Line
At the very beginning of the F-35 production line, the aircraft looks very different from the final finished jet. This section focuses on the aircraft wing systems, where the foundation of the aircraft is built. The wings are placed in a vertical position, completed, and then sent forward to the next stations where more components are added.
The F-35 production line can be compared to assembling complex building blocks. At each stop, a different component is added, bringing the aircraft closer to completion.
Use of Robotics in the Manufacturing Process
Robots are used extensively in the F-35 manufacturing process. Automated robotic work cells apply specialized materials over fasteners and surfaces to maintain the aircraft’s stealth characteristics.
These robots perform tasks that are repetitive, precise, and critical for maintaining radar-absorbing qualities. This allows human operators to focus on more complex engineering work.
Aircraft Taking Shape Along the Line
As the aircraft moves down the production line, more systems are integrated. Wiring, avionics, structural components, and stealth materials are added in a highly systematic process. Every individual involved in the process contributes before passing the aircraft to the next stage.
Final Assembly and Delivery
At the end of the production line, final tweaks and adjustments are made before the aircraft is ready for rollout. Lockheed Martin delivers around 150 F-35 aircraft every year to multiple countries participating in the program.
Inside the F-35 Cockpit
The cockpit of the F-35 is almost entirely digital. The pilot controls the aircraft using a side stick and throttle, interacting with systems through a large glass display and virtual HUD shown on the pilot’s helmet.
A cockpit demonstrator is used to simulate the flying experience, giving a realistic understanding of how the systems function together.
The F-35 Helmet System
The F-35 helmet is more than protective gear. It is an advanced piece of technology integrated into the aircraft’s systems. It provides pilots with exceptional situational awareness and allows them to effectively “see through” the aircraft using distributed cameras mounted around the jet.
Viewing the Finished F-35 on the Flight Line
Standing in front of the finished F-35, the aircraft appears stealthy, lethal, and technologically advanced. The F-35B variant includes the capability to hover using a lift fan system, distributing thrust between the rear engine nozzle and the lift system.
The aircraft contains internal weapons bays to preserve stealth while still carrying a powerful arsenal including AMRAAMs, AIM-9Xs, JDAMs, and small diameter bombs.
Engine and Vertical Lift System
The engine of the F-35 can produce around 40,000 pounds of thrust. In the F-35B, approximately half of this thrust is redirected to the lift system, allowing vertical hovering and short takeoff and landing capabilities.
Witnessing the F-35 in Action
Watching the F-35 take off demonstrates the power and precision of this aircraft. Its performance in motion highlights the advanced engineering and manufacturing that takes place inside Lockheed Martin’s production plant.
Conclusion
The F-35 fighter jet production plant at Lockheed Martin showcases one of the most advanced aircraft assembly lines in the world. From wing construction to robotic stealth applications, from cockpit systems to the helmet technology and vertical lift engineering, every step of the process contributes to creating a fifth-generation fighter jet built for air dominance.